Pump



Oct. 6, 1964 v. N. ALBERTSON ETAL 3,151,565

PUMP

Filed Sept. 4, 1962 INVENTOR5 WCTOR N ALBERTSO/V ROEERT V' .ALBERTS ON A TTORNEY@ United States Patent d ice Patented Get. 6, 1954 3,151,565 PUMP Victor N. Albertson and Robert V. Albertson, Minneapolis, Minn., assiguors to Minnesota Automotive,

Inc., Mankato, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Filed Sept. 4, 1962, Ser. No. 221,098 2 Claims. (Cl. 1ll3-1tl'2) This invention relates generally to axial flow pumps, and more particularly it relates to a jet-type submersible pump having a novel impeller or rotor construction and arrangement.

The novel axial iloW pump disclosed herein is particularly adapted for use in connection with barrels and other types of tanks or containers. Generally, the axial ilow pump disclosed herein comprises an elongated generally vertically disposed tubular conduit adapted to extend through an opening in the top of a container, a housing disclosed at the bottom end portion of said tubular conduit and containing the novel rotor and partition arrangement disclosed hereinafter, a drive shaft extending upwardly through said tubular conduit, and a drive motor positioned at the upper end portion of said tubular conduit.

An important object of this invention is the provision of an axial liow pump having a novel rotor and partition and baille arrangement which is particularly designed for long life and very efficient operation.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a jet-type submersible axial flow pump which is economically constructed without a suction pipe, check valves, relief valves, gears and belts whereby to reduce service problems by the elimination of normally rapidly wearing parts.

While devices of the general character described herein have previously been known, the present invention comprehends a submersible axial tlow pump which constitutes an improvement thereupon, both as to the eliciency derived from the structural differences and the simplicity of its construction, as well as the economy with which it may be manufactured.

AThe above and still further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed speciiication, appended claims and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a view in elevation showing our novel pump in its operating position on a bar-rel or other container;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view in axial section of our novel pump in the position shown in FlG. l, with the upper portion thereof shown in elevation;

FIG. 3 is an Venlarged View in transverse section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged View in transverse section taken on thefline 44 of FIG: 2;

FIG. 5 is a view in section FIG. 3; and A FIG. 6 is a View in elevation of' the novel rotor disclosed herein and shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Referring again to the drawings, a barrel which may be any suitable tank or container, is represented by the reference numeral 1, the same comprising a cylindrical side wall 2 and top and bottom walls 3, 4. The top wall 3 of the barrel 1 is provided with an annular threaded collar v5 adapted to receive a plug or cap, not shown, and through which the axial tlow pump to be described hereinafter may be inserted.

According to present practices, the structure disclosed herein comprises a drive motor, shown generally at 6.

taken on the line 5 5 of The drive motor 6 is mounted on an annular base 7 having a central opening 8 therein, through which the motor shaft 9 projects in a generally vertically and downward direction. A mounting iitting, represented generally by the reference numeral 1lb, includes an enlarged mge portion 11 which is rigidly secured to the annular base 7, as shown particularly in PEG. 2.

The mounting fitting lil further comprises a depending tubular portion l2 and a lateral outlet portion 13 adapted to receive an outlet conduit connector 14. An elongated tubular conduit represented generally by the numeral 15 is adapted for introduction through the barrel or other container having the liquid for pumping and is further adapted to convey the liquid or iiuid upwardly to the outlet portion 13 of the mounting fitting lil. The upper end portion le of the tubular conduit 15 is securely iitted within the depending tubular portion 12 of the mounting iitting 1d, as shown particularly in FIG. 2, and the lower end portion i7 of the tubular conduit 15 defines a diametrically reduced cylindrical surface i8 on which is received the upper end portion 19 of an elongated generally cylindrical generaily vertically disposed housing, represented generally by the refe-rence numeral 2%, the same being secured thereto by means of the set screw 21. it is noted that an intermediate annular connector coupling 22 is received on the tubular conduit 15 and deiines a lower threaded portion 23 for cooperative securement in the threaded collar 5 ot the barrel top wall 3.

The housing 2G defines an internally threaded lower end portion 24 adapted to receive a screw threaded annular spider fitting 25. The fitting 25 defines a plurality of depending feet 26 and further defines a lluid inlet opening 27. Of course, the lower end portion 17 of the tubular conduit l5 which projects into the upper end portion i9 of the housing Ztl in effect denes a fluid outlet opening for the housing 20. As shown particularly in FIG. 2, the housing 20 further deiines a generally cylindrical chamber 2S which communicates with the uid inlet and outlet openings of the housing Ztl and is adapted for the generally axially upward flow of fluid therethrough.

The novel pumping arrangement provided by this invention comprises a pair or a plurality of generally annular partition members, each represented generally by the reference numeral 29. The partition members 29 are disposed within the chamber 2S of the housing 2i? in vertically spaced relationship with respect to one another, as shown particularly in FlG. 2. The partition members 29 may be suitably formed from Teilen or other suitable material, and each thereof comprises a cylindrical wall portion 3S, a plurality of generally circumferentially spaced generally radially extending tins 3l, a central conical portion 32, .and an intermediate llange portion 33. The tins 31 of each of the partition members 29 cooperate to define a plurality of generally axially extending fluid passages, and the fins 3l each comprise a generally axially extending upper portion 34 and a generally circumferentially extending lower angle portion 35, as shown particularly in FLG. 5. The lower angle portions 35 of the tins 31 are formed so as to extend in a generaily circumferential direction which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotors of the pump to be described hereinafter. It is noted that below the position of the tins 3l, the central conical portion 32, and theintermediate llange portion 33, each of the position members 29 defines a downwardly opening cavity, as shown particularly in FIG. 2. v

1n accordance with this invention, a plurality of rotors, each represented generally by the reference numeral 3d, `are disposed within the chamber 2S of the housing 2G. Each o the rotors 36 is associated with a different one ot Vwhich also extend angularly with respect to the radii in a direction generally opposite to the intended direction of rotation for the rotor 36. The rotors 36 are adapted upon rotation thereof to move uid from the Vinlet-opening of the housing 20 upwardly through the passages of the partition members 29 toward the outlet opening of the housing and upwardly through the tubular conduit 15, the general path of iiowbeing shown by arrows in FIG. 2. As shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the

A vanes 39 of each of the rotors 36 are radially outwardly positioned so as' to define `a generally centrally disposed downwardly opening recess 41. As Shown particularly in FIG. 2, the partition members 29, and their associated `rotors 36, are separated by an annular .batiie 42, and the batiies 42 are each therefor positioned adjacent the iniioW end of a diiferent `one of the rotors 36 in generally axial alignment with the vanes 39tthereof and are adapted to direct the flow of iiuid into the central recess 41 deiined by the associated rotor 36 positioned thereabove. The particular arrangement of the partition members 29, rotors 36, and annular baiiie 42 is shown in FIG. 2, and it is noted that the uppermost partition member 29 has its upper annular edge portion disposed in engagement with an inner annular abutment 43 deiined by the housing 20. The remainder of the partition members 29 and the peripheral edge portions of the annular baiiies 42 lare alternately positioned in engagement with one another, and la ring washer 44 and a iilter screen 45'are contained within the bottom of the housing chamber 28 and secured therein by means of the screw threaded spider iitting 25.

. VIn order to provide means for mounting the rotors 36 for rotation within the housingV chamber 28, an elongated vertically disposed `drive shaft 46 has its upper end portion coupled by means of a connector 47 to the depending motor. shaft9. The rotors 36V are secured on vertically spaced detented portions of the drive shaft 46, as shown in FIG. 2. As .shown in FIG. 2,.ball bearing and Yseal means 48 is provided adjacent the upper end portion of the drive shaft 46. Also, an intermediate bearing ele- Y (c) a pair of rotors disposed in said chamber and one ment 49 Vis provided adjacent the lower end portion of the tubular conduit 15. The central bearing portions 37 of the rotors 36 are secured in vertically spaced relationship on the lower end portion of the drive shaft 46, as shown particularly in FIG.' 2.

The serpentine iiow of fluid within the housingV 20' is represented by iiow lines in FIG. 2, and a particular feature of my novel pumping arrangement concerns the form ofl theY iins 31 of the partition members 29. As

noted above, the lower angle portions.35 of the lins 31V are generally circumferentially directed in a direction'op- .posite to the directionV of rotation of the rotors 36 whereby the turbulent swirling movement of the uidbeing moved by the rotors 36' tends to be terminated upon engagement. bythens 31 ofthe partition members 29.

' Furthermore, the iins 31 of the partition members 29 serve to break up the above notedy swirling motionV -and direct the Yiiowing liquid in an upward direction so as to increase Y the eiiiciency of flow in an upward axial direction.

This invention has been thoroughly tested and foundY to 70 be completely satisfactory for the accomplishment of the above objects; Vand while we have shown and described above a preferred embodiment thereof in which'the principals of the present invention have been incorporated,

VWe wish it to be specifically understood that the same may be modified without departure from the scope and spirit of the `appended claims.

What we claim is: V1. In an axial ow pump,

(a) an elongated generally cylindrical generally ver-tically disposed housing, said housing having a fluid inlet opening adjacent the lower end portion'thereof and a iiuid outlet opening adjacent the upper end Y portion thereof, ,said housing further defining a generally cylindrical chamber communicating with said fluid inlet and outlet openings and adapted Vfor f erally axially extending upper portions and lower .angle portions which extend in a Ygeneral circumferential direction from the respective upper portions,

each associated with a different one of said partition members, said rotorseach having a plurality of generally circumferentially spaced iiuid-impelling vanes adapted'upon rotation to move fluid from said inlet opening through said passages of said partition members toward said outlet opening, saidrvanes of each of said rotors being radially outwardly positioned so Vas, to deiine a generally centrally disposed recess, i, (d) a pair of annular baiiiesl disposed in said chamber, and one each positioned adjacent the in-ow end of a dierent one of said rotors in generally axial alignment with the vanes thereof and adapted todirect Y by,

Y (e) means mounting said rotors for rotation in said Y' chamberrin va direction opposite to the circumferential extension of the angle portions of said rotor tins, and

f (i) power means for-impartingrotation tosaid rotors'.V

2. The axial ow pump of claim 1, wherein,`

(a) each 'of said stationary generally 'annular partition members has a cylindrical wall portion lining said chamber and,V Y i (b) said annular batiies being spaced and supported adjacent their peripheries by opposed ends of said cylindrical wall portions of 'said partitions.

Y References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER e REFERENCES the ilow of iiuid into the central recess defined there-Y Germany, printed application, 1,064,814, Sept'.V Vx31,V 

1. IN AN AXIAL FLOW PUMP, (A) AN ELONGATED GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL GENERALLY VERTICALLY DISPOSED HOUSING, SAID HOUSING HAVING A FLUID INLET OPENING ADJACENT THE LOWER END PORTION THEREOF AND A FLUID OUTLET OPENING ADJACENT THE UPPER END PORTION THEREOF, SAID HOUSING FURTHER DEFINING A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL CHAMBER COMMUNICATING WITH SAID FLUID INLET AND OUTLET OPENINGS AND ADAPTED FOR THE GENERALLY AXIALLY UPWARD FLOW OF FLUID THERETHROUGH, (B) A PAIR OF STATIONARY GENERALLY ANNULAR PARTITION MEMBERS DISPOSED IN VERTICALLY SPACED RELATIONSHIP IN SAID CHAMBER, SAID PARTITION MEMBERS EACH DEFINING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED FINS WHICH COOPERATE TO DEFINE A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY AXIALLY EXTENDING FLUID PASSAGES, SAID FINS HAVING GENERALLY AXIALLY EXTENDING UPPER PORTIONS AND LOWER ANGLE PORTIONS WHICH EXTEND IN A GENERAL CIRCUMFERENTIAL DIRECTION FROM THE RESPECTIVE UPPER PORTIONS, (C) A PAIR OF ROTORS DISPOSED IN SAID CHAMBER AND ONE EACH ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFERENT ONE OF SAID PARTITION MEMBERS, SAID ROTORS EACH HAVING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED FLUID-IMPELLING VANES ADAPTED THROUGH ROTATION TO MOVE FLUID FROM SID INLET OPENING THROUGH SAID PASSAGES OF SAID PARTITION MEMBERS TOWARD SAID OUTLET OPENING, SAID VANES OF EACH OF SAID ROTORS BEING RADIALLY OUTWARDLY POSITIONED SO AS TO DEFINE A GENERALLY CENTRALLY DISPOSED RECESS, (D) A PAIR OF ANNULAR BAFFLES DISPOSED IN SAID CHAMBER, AND ONE EACH POSITIONED ADJACENT THE IN-FLOW END OF A DIFFERENT ONE OF SAID ROTORS IN GENERALLY AXIAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE VANES THEREOF AND ADAPTED TO DIRECT THE FLOW OF FLUID INTO THE CENTRAL RECESS DEFINED THEREBY, (E) MEANS MOUNTING SAID ROTORS FOR ROTATION IN SAID CHAMBER IN A DIRECTION OPPOSITE TO THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL EXTENSION OF THE ANGLE PORTIONS OF SAID ROTOR FINS, AND (F) POWER MEANS FOR IMPARTING ROTATION TO SAID ROTORS. 